Day Trips

PARO

DAY EXCURSIONS WALKING, HIKING AND BIKING IN PAROWalking & hiking along trails, you will come across small villages, meet local families, visit remote Buddhist temples, see important monuments & historical sites, be a part of farming activities, gain knowledge on organic farming and animal breeding, enjoy a time tested medicinal bath, join in local games, exchange experiences, learn about the life of the locals, learn about local handicrafts, enjoy fine home cooked meals, catch up with warm smiles, and much more...

We will introduce you to places and people and take you on trails that stimulate local interaction. Our guide ensures that you have real connections with the people, the landscape, the culture and the environment. The shared intention will be to be open and available to the people we meet and the places we visit, and use all that we experience to soften our hearts and open our minds. Just visit Bhutan with an open mind and you will find its beauty through its people, unique culture and pristine landscape.TAKSANG HIKE (TIGER’S NEST)Walking distance : approximately 4-5 hrsDifficulty : Moderate-StrenuousOpen from: 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm Closed on Tuesdays

Strenuous: Strenuous treks are extended walking in a mountain terrain at higher altitudes. Trekkers should be able to cope with difficult paths on steep mountainsides. After breakfast, we hike toward one of Bhutan’s most sacred places—the site of a Cliffside monastery and an important pilgrimage destination. Partly damaged by fire in 1998, the Taksang (meaning Tiger’s Nest) Monastery was built atop the cave where Guru Rimpoche, the father of Mahayana Buddhism, meditated for three months after arriving in the Paro Valley on the back of a legendary tigress. You’re likely to see locals displaying handicrafts for sale along the route to the monastery—evidence of individual enterprise rarely seen until the past few years. The trail rises slowly above the valley, passing through fields, forests and by large prayer wheels turned by a stream. We continue hiking across an open meadow and up a steep trail to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind. Just beyond is the Taktsang teahouse, at 9,200 feet, where we stop to enjoy a hot drink and striking views of the monastery across the valley. The scene is straight out of National Geographic, and it’s only when a local’s cell phone goes off that you realize it’s the 21st century! Depending on your energy level, continue just as far as our lunch spot or tackle the next mile of steep climbing to reach another dramatic viewpoint. Our lunch today takes place at the Taksang View Point Cafeteria enjoying typical Bhutanese food while taking in phenomenal views of the monastery perched across the ravine. We then retrace our steps for the descent. Back at the base of this rewarding pilgrimage, we board the car and drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet. The drive is picturesque, and the site of ancient, now ruined dzong is magnificent. From here, it is only a two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by the sacred Mt Jhomolhari.

Wind all the way through pine forests to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zuri Dzong. Go across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum with splendid views over the Paro valley.

Ta Dzong- National MuseumOpen from: 9am to 1 pm and 2pm to 4pm Closed on Sundays and local holidays

Ta Dzong built in 1951 was once the watch tower for the defense of Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It was re-established as the National Museum in 1967 and has been rated among the best natural history museums in Asia. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, handicrafts, masks, costumes, armor and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum’s circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors. The visit will provide an insight into the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan.

The National Museum which is housed in the Paro Ta Dzong suffered major structural damage during the 2011 September earthquake, rendering it inaccessible to the public for safety reasons. More than half of the exhibits from the Ta Dzong are now displayed in a two story building located above the actual museum.

Afterwards, descend upon Rinpung (Paro) Dzong, also known as “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels” which was built in 1646 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal mainly for defense against frequent incursions. Historically, it was an important administrative centre and the seat of many feudal lords and penlops. Today it houses the administrative offices which include the legislative, executive, judicial and religious centre for the people of Paro.

The small township of Paro Paro's town isn't very large but it has a more traditional feel than Thimphu's city and is a fine introduction to some of Bhutan's unique local products. You'll see strings of chugo (dried yak cheese), either white (boiled in milk and dried in the sun) or brown (smoked). The fruit that looks like an orange egg is actually fresh husky betel nut, imported from India. The jars of pink paste contain lime, which is ingested with the betel nut. There are also exotic-looking ferns, powdered juniper incense, squares of dried jellied cow skin known as khoo (a local snack!) and slabs of datse, the cheese used in almost every Bhutanese dish.

KYICHU LHAKHANG HIKE AND PARO TOWNOpen from: all days from 9am to 5pm

Close to the airport is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites- the seventh century Kyichu Lhakhang. We pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its mystical orange tree which bears fruit all year round. Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples 1) the ancient temple and 2) the recent temple. The ancient temple is deeply respected for its antiquity and holds one of Bhutan’s holiest statues of the Jowo, Buddha as a prince at the age of eight, which is alike to the one in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. The recent temple was built in 1968 and is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche. After touring the Lhakhangs we will begin our hike to the town of Paro, stopping along the way to view prayer flags and chortens and an old farm house.

CHELE LA NATURE HIKEDrive: 1.5 hrs up to the pass 3988mWalk: 3 hours including stopsDifficulty: ModerateOpen : all days from 9am to 5 pmApril-June: alpine flowers, view towards some of Bhutan’s most sacred peaks, short & beautiful nature hikes around the pass, plentiful birds and wildlife

1.5 hours drive from Bondey to the Chele La Pass at 3988m. We have panoramic views of the two valleys of Paro & Haa and of course, the beautiful Himalayan ranges of Bhutan from the Pass. We will also have the most scenic view of Mt. Jumolhari; Haa Valley is situated in the north-west of Bhutan bordering Tibet. Extraordinarily beautiful Haa Valley is newly opened to tourists. With its three prominent hills representing the three guardian deities, this valley is said to have been named by Guru Padma Sambava himself.

From the pass we will hike up along the meadow to Kung Karpo La (4500m), where there is a small stone hut which is sometimes used by monks to meditate; this is actually a place for sky burial. Weather permitting; we will enjoy the breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains while walking above the tree line along the ridge that divides Paro and Ha valley. To the west there is Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third highest mountain in the world, to the Northeast, Gangkar Puensum (7,570m), Bhutan’s highest mountain and the highest virgin mountain in the world, Jumolhari (7,314m), Jichu Drakey (6,794m) and a host of other peaks

We will then take a downhill trek from the pass (3,988m) to the stunning nunnery that clings to the mountainside at 3,400m. This nunnery- Kila Koenpa is a serene home for Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their live to spiritual fulfillment and lead undisturbed lives of religious studies, prayer and meditation. From here we descend to a logging track and walk out to the Chele La Pass road to rejoin the vehicle to transfer to the trail head for a short hike to Dzongdrakha Temple.

Start a short hike to Dzongdrakha (2400m), a tranquil village of eight farmhouses and four temples. The main temple complex is situated on the cliff just above Bondey Valley. Like Taktsang and Dra Karpo, this is an area in which Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. It takes about 30 minutes to hike to the first temple from the drivable road. The trail begins following a dirt road. After about 20 minutes, the path turns to climb through a grove of oak trees. The entire village, set up over the cliffs, stretches horizontally along the ledge, affording beautiful views of the valley below. From the last temple, look for the tall houses of the village of Tashigang. Descend through stunted oaks to reach the chorten at the base of Dzongdrakha.

National Museum, 8036ft/2450m to Jele Dzong, 11,270ft/3436m Begin the day’s trek above the National Museum in apple and peach orchards, crossing through a series of quaint hamlets and an ancient pine and oak forest. Above the tree line, the trail continues to a ridge affording 300 degree vistas of the Himalaya. A short hike ends at Jili Dzong, one of the Kingdom’s oldest fortresses. The building was until very recently deserted, but has now undergone some renovation and is in use again as a monastic school. It sits astride a ridge, which affords dramatic views of the valleys on both sides and the Himalaya to the north. Look forward to plenty of interesting birds, flora and fauna throughout the day. A choice of descents is possible all the way to Paro town.

BIKE RIDE TO DRUKGYEL DZONGOpen from: 9am to 5pm - Monday - Sunday

Thirty kilometers today, out of Paro as far as you can bike to the west (either by road or on tracks) and back again. The first half of the ride is flat, easy riding on a dirt road through Paro and then paralleling a river. The second half is one long climb up the valley with Taktsang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Monastery) perched above, winding through villages, rice paddies and pine forest to Drukgyel Dzong.

Hike up the citadel to enjoy a pleasant view of the snow-covered cone of Jumolhari. Later enjoy a gradual freewheeling descent virtually all the way to Paro town. As support vehicle is on hand to carry you and your bike if you prefer to take it easy. In addition, one of our experienced guides will accompany you enabling us to cater to your level of fitness and allowing you to cycle at your own pace.

THIMPHU

It is hard to believe that anything can top the entry into Paro which you experience with Druk Air, However this hike gets pretty close! After a 20-minute drive on the highway from Thimphu to Paro, turn right towards the little village of Jemina. From here, continue on a jagged farm road for close to two hours ascending through rural communities and beautiful greenery. Start hiking from a yak herder camp at 3400 meters (11560 ft). The first ten minutes are the hardest until you reach a saddle. Following about an hour of a about relatively moderate hike arrive at Pemri Goemba, a delightful old temple, with a beautiful view of Jumolhari and Jichu Drake in the background. Continue walking through the charming forest next to the mountain ridge to Dongkola Goemba (3770 m / 12818 ft) two hours later. The only steep incline is a fifteen minute section before approaching an open meadow and then on to Donkola. Donkola temple is strikingly situated on a hill top overlooking the Paro valley and the sacred mountains on all sides.

From the Donkola, return to the meadow and take a diversion path which is the left trail down to Paro Valley. The total descent is more than 1000 meters. On the way down you have the option of visiting two smaller temples also strategically situated on hilltops, before reaching the charming old village of TseTse Phu where all the houses are built with rammed earth with traditional shingle roofs. A trail cuts through the dirt road and runs across open areas and ends up just above a labyrinth of prayer flags above Dra Karpo This monastery is built against a cliff, and takes your breath away with the abrupt drop beneath and wonderful views.

PHADJODING AND PUMOLADistance: 4-5 hoursHike Grade: Hard 1243m climb

This is a difficult hike, nevertheless one of the most well-liked and enjoyable hiking destinations around Thimphu owing to its commanding location above the valley. From radio tower, decorated nearby with prayer flags, you climb 200 meters steeply upwards to Choekhortse Goemba. A gentler trail continues further up from here through thick blue pine forest. Then you arrive at the first of two chortens en-route to our destination and an assembly of temples in Phadjodhing (3690 m / 12546 f).

Ardent hikers can continue on a one hour expedition along the mountain side to Pumola Monastery (3710 m / 12614 ft). From Pumola, a trail zigzags down the mountain to the Takin Preserve and our vehicle for a 10 minute drive to your hotel in the city.

The 360° Mountain View from Lungchu Tse is one of the best. Beginning from the large chorten at Dochu la climb all the way through forests of hemlock, birch and rhododendrons past a row of fluttering prayer flags up to Lungchu Tse temple and meditation site. Weather permitting, view mount Jumolhari (7314 m / 24000 f), Masang Gang in the region of Laya (7158 m / 23500 f), Zongophu Gang – a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana (7060 m / 23160 f) and Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed peak in the world (7497 m / 24600 f). Gasa Dzong is visible as a tiny white speck in a sea of green almost 50 kilometers to the north.

150 meters below Lungchu Tse, is Trashigang village and monastery. Descending steeply through spruce, rhododendron, hemlock and juniper forests head off on the dirt road which leads to the drivable road and your van to shuttle to your hotel in the city.

TANGO MONASTERYOpen: all days from 9am to 5pmShuttle from Hotel to the trail head: 45 minutesHike Duration: 1 hour steep uphill through multicolored rhododendronHike Grade: Hard

A beautiful, sacred site, it is an hour hike through rhododendron forest to reach the monastery. Perched on the hillside, looking out over the forested mountains, it is truly a place of refuge. Tango is one of Bhutan's most important Buddhist colleges. Its name, meaning horse's head, is derived from the horse-head shaped rock at the top. It is a beautiful dzong built in the 18h century by the 8th Desi, Druk Rabgye. Today Tango is home to the reincarnate Lama, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. A visit to Tango Monastery provides you a wonderful opportunity, to participate in local temple life.

On returning from the hike, we have an afternoon visit to Choki Handicraft to watch the students at work. The trades (painting, gold and silver smithing or metal casting, weaving and embroidery, sculpting and carving, paper making, bamboo and leather work, masonry and carpentry), have survived with little change since they were defined by the Shabdrung who unified the country in the early 17th century. Weaving stands in a class of its own. Among the 13 trades, it is the only one clearly dominated by women and offers the most scope for creativity, with new colours and patterns, and the latest fashion, brilliantly incorporated in a vast range of traditional styles.

The Thimphu Weekly Market is another interesting visit this afternoon. People from outlying villages come to sell vegetables and exotic fruits. You will also find all kinds of goods that the Bhutanese use at home including brilliant textiles. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs.

Traditional Archery Hoping to see archers at play towards the evening, we will spend some time at Changlimithang National Stadium watching people compete in the an archery tournament/match. The stadium houses tennis and squash courts, a soccer field, a cricket ground, 2 archery fields, and Bhutan’s Olympic headquarters. Events are free and open to everyone.

Our hike is from Buddha Point where the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that towers above the Wang Chhu and the Thimphu City. At 169 feet, it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.

We will enjoy the hike through beautiful meadows and pine trees and rhododendron flowers with even more beautiful birds singing overhead. We will have a picnic lunch with a view. The one and a half hour trial ends up at the Grant Buddha statue ground. We will offer our prayers for world peace and happiness before we head back to the hotel.

Points of interest on this trail:

• One and a half hours hike around the statue along the natural trail • Enjoy the beautiful landscape and overlooking view of the Thimphu City • Hiking through the beautiful meadows and pine trees • Plenty of photography opportunities • Pay our respects to the Buddha

PUNAKHA

Paddling through the glacial rivers of Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River) is perhaps the best way to fully immerse in the natural grandeur of the beautiful landscape of the Punakha Valley. This one day excursion will provide up close and intimate views of the lush paddy fields, pristine forests and exotic birds.

The experienced captain and crew of the day will be waiting for you at the banks of the Punakha River. First explore the Mo Chu and keep the Pho Chu for later. Rafting along the Mo Chu is easier with Class II rafting and is recommended for starters, whilst the Pho Chu provides wonderful Class III whitewater rafting with fun intermediate rapids. Glide smoothly past the magnificent 17th century Punakha Dzong (fortress), and chance encounters with the White Bellied Heron (one of the world’s rarest birds), kingfishers frolicking on the river banks and the occasional otters on the river side.

Points of interest on this adventure • Spot a wide range of different species of birds along the river as you raft • A visit to the Punakha Dzong at the end of the rafting adventure

The Monastery of Chorten Nebu, built in the eighteenth century is a little known treasure, with its magnificent statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha) and fine images of the great lamas of the Drukpa Lineage. According to legend, this magical spot was once a dense forest inhabited by evil spirits. One day, the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley arrived here when all the demons were gathered together in a meeting. He hurled a blazing log into the gathering and all the evil spirits were scorched to death. The great oak tree outside the monastery is said to have grown out of the blazing log that the Divine Madman threw and, interestingly, its bark is still dark, burnt down. People use the bark as talisman to bring them good-luck.

In 2005 the Monastery started housing poor orphans from the nearby village and founded a small Buddhist educational institution for these little monks, a place where the children can study both traditional Buddhist scriptures and texts, and also learn Western subjects such as English, math and science in order to be equipped to survive in the modern world, whether as a monk or a lay person.

A half hour walk across a local village and rice fields from the road head, the temple was built in 1499 and is located on a hillock in the centre of the valley. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and hence is also known as the “Devine Mad Man".

Begin with a hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to Khamsum Yuelly Namgayel a delightful 3-story chorten that looks down on the upper Punakhan Valley. The chorten was consecrated in 1999 and built at the behest of her majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yandon Wangchuck in order to "remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world".

The views of the valley and the surrounding snow-capped mountains are stunning, the setting of the chorten is idyllic, the atmosphere tranquil and the interior artwork depicting the teaching of Dudjom Rinpoche magnificent. Linger long at this chorten, relaxing and simply appreciating the harmonious beauty of the location.

PUNA DZONGOpen: from 9am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm

Returning downhill through the valley we have an exploration of the massive architectural structure of the 17th-century Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong or Punthang Dechen Phodrang, was strategically built on the river island at the confluence, of the mighty Phochu and Mochu Rivers in Punakha. While the rivers provided natural defense against invaders, it did not obstruct the view of the Dzong. The imposing structure, the biggest and the most magnificent of its kind at that particular point in time, was visible from all four sides. The construction of Punakha Dzong on this strategic location was completed in 1637 AD and it represented the supreme flowering of Bhutanese art and architecture. A visit to the Punakha Dzong also presents an opportunity to see or hear the resident monks during their daily prayers, see the impressive Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan's first ruler, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and see the winter residence of the monastic order's leader and his entourage of monks.

VILLAGE ON TREASURE HILL Following lunch take a quick drive to the village of Talo for a walk in the beautiful village. Later hike down to Nobgang “The village on Treasure Hill” visiting farm houses and meeting families. The concept of the Village Walks is to facilitate an authentic experience and provide a ’snapshot’ of rural life in the Himalayan Mountains of Bhutan. As an honored guest, the locals are keen to share their way of life with you.

NALANDA BUDDHIST COLLEGEOpen: every day from 9am to 1 pm and 2pm to 4 pm

On your way back from Nobgang village to Punakha you pay a visit to Nalanda Buddhist College. Chat with monks in English; the monks here are dying to practice the new language they have learned. Meet the reincarnate Tulku (if in residence) to talk about meditation, the processes of meditation and its importance in daily Buddhist practice.

This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feeling for Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. After passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang, the trail ends at the local community school. The Nature Trail can be combined with a visit to Gangtey Goemba and the local school. Here is an opportunity to take close up pictures and watch the graceful dances of the cranes courting their mates.

CRANE VALLEY FESTIVAL About 500 cranes winter in Bhutan each year, mostly in Phobjikha, the kingdom’s largest wetland and most important black-necked crane habitat. They come to feed on the residue of the autumn harvest in the local agricultural fields, as well as on dwarf bamboos that grow in the valley’s wetlands, which they supplement with seeds, earthworms, beetles and snails. In recognition of Phobjikha’s importance to the birds, a conservation area was established in the valley in 2003.

The conservation festival takes place in November, when the cranes return to Bhutan from Tibet for the winter. Its aim is partly to promote ecotourism to provide the valley’s farmers with an alternative income, in order to reduce the pressure on the birds’ habitat.

While livelihoods are important, the festival isn’t just about helping people to make money. It’s also aimed at strengthening traditional celebrations to help increase villagers’ awareness of the birds’ importance – and the threats to their existence.

Known as thrung thrung karm, the cranes symbolize longevity to the Bhutanese and are deemed holy. Locals believe that the circling of the cranes as they come in to land confers a special blessing, and the winter wheat isn’t sown until after the fields have been blessed by the arriving cranes.

HIKING IN THE PHOBJIKHA VALLEY For a full day hike around Phobjikha valley you can start walking from your hotel to the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, which has a lot of information on the valley and its famous migrating Black Necked Cranes. From the Crane Centre hike towards Beta Village to visit local children in a tiny community school. Continue walking to Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and recently extensively renovated), past Semchubara village, through forests of blue pine covered with lichen (known as old man’s beard) to watch the cranes courting their mates. Continue on from the end of the nature trail to Kingathang village and via Yusa village back to your hotel.

Or take a day hiking the Shasila trail. The people of Sha Ngawang and Chitokha use this trail to migrate between their summer and winter homes in Gangtey. It takes approximately 6 hours on the hike for casual trekkers to reach Kheylaykha from Phobjikha. This trail is particularly recommended for bird lovers

For fit hikers who want a tougher challenge, take a day walk in the valley known as the Khotokha trail. It takes approximately 4 hours walk for casual trekkers to reach Khotokha from Phobjikha. You will be walking through forest and will get the chance to see some birds. In Khotokha you can visit the monastery, which has around 100 monks, and you are welcome to visit some farmhouses in the village.

JAKAR DZONG The fortress originally constructed in 1667, but rebuilt after being severely damaged in an earthquake in 1897, is one of the largest and most impressive in Bhutan and houses the administrative and monastic offices for the Bumthang district.

WANGDICHHOLING PALACE Built in 1857, the palace was the principal residence of the first king of a united Bhutan and was also used by his two successors. It is an unassuming structure, lacking the ramparts and protective walls which became features of later palaces.

JAMBAY LHAKHANG It is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, on the same day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, in order to subdue a Tibetan demoness. It was here that Guru Rinpoche conducted the first sermon on Tantric Buddhism for his host King Sindhu Raja, the local ruler and his family. The place where Guru Rinpoche sat during the sermon can still be seen today.

KURJEY LHAKHANG The temple is named after the body (kur) print (jey) of Guru Rinpoche who was invited to meditate here in 746 AD to subdue evil spirits and demons. There are three temples; the oldest temple was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The body imprint of the great master can be seen distinctly in the rock cave enshrined in the temple. The second was built in 1900 by the first King when he was still the Governor of Trongsa. The third temple was built in 1990 with the support of the Queen Mother Ashi Kesang. A wall of 108 chortens surrounds the temple grounds and symbolizes Buddha’s victory over the evil spirits. The Cypress tree, which is seen near the temple, is believed to have grown from the Guru’s walking stick.

KURJEY DRUBCHU During the 8th century Sindhu Raja, the King of Chakhar invited Guru Padhma Sambawa from Yangleyshey in Nepal (meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche) to cure his prolonged illness. The Guru meditated at the present Guru Lhakhang and subdued the Demon of Dragmar Dorji Tsegpa, known as Shelging Karpo, responsible for the sickness of the Raja. Drupchhu was made available at the end of Guru’s meditation with his spiritual power to celebrate the victory over the Demon and to cure the illness of the King. Therefore it is believed that this water is holy and cures all our sins and illnesses.

TAMZHING LHAKHANG (temple of good message) Tamzhing Lhakhang is located in a village across the river from Kurjey. It was built by Pema Lingpa in 1501 and is the most important Nyingma Lhakhang in the Kingdom. Being a skilled tantric master and an artist, Pema Lingpa sculpted the main statues and painted the frescoes, which can be seen even today, mostly in its original state. He also created a 25 kg suit of chain-mail armor and it is believed that you will be freed from your sins if you carry it around the lhakhang three times.

SWISS FARM A small factory, founded by Swiss Bhutanese, produces a variety of Swiss cheeses, clover honey, apple cider, wine, apple brandy and local beer. It is an interesting place to see, and purchase some sample.

DAY EXCURSION TO TANG VALLEYDrive time from Lodge – approximately 1 hour on drivable road 1.5 hours on farm roads through the Tang valley

The Tang Valley is the most isolated and remote of the 4 valleys that make up the district of Bumthang. The people of this valley raise sheep and, at higher elevation, yaks as the soil in this region is not rich enough for agricultural activities. Visiting the tiniest and most remote villages around Tang, you’ll get to know the locals, their families and be part of their isolated community. Arriving as strangers, you’ll be sure to leave as friends, with photos and memories to last a lifetime.

MEBAR TSHO The mystical Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) is riddled with deep Buddhist history and mythology. Bhutanese history states that in the late 15th century, the great treasure hunter, Pema Lingpa had a premonition about hidden relics at the bottom of Tang Valley. However the ruler and the local people of Tang were skeptical about Pema Lingpa’s vision. The courageous treasure hunter wanted to prove that his vision was real and jumped into the lake, holding a fully lit butter lamp in his hand. He then resurfaced holding a scroll and a treasure chest in one hand and the butter lamp in his other hand which was still burning bright.

PEMA CHOLING NUNNERY We have time to pay a visit to the Pema Choling Nunnery to see how the women there live. This is a very special opportunity to see where the nuns reside and how they run the nunnery, which is quite different than the monasteries (where the monks live).

UGYEN CHOLING MUSEUM The road to the Tang Valley is quite rough but the landscape, views and walk through the area are all beautiful and a visit to the Ogyen Chholing museum is a unique opportunity to see how the Bhutanese have lived for centuries and view exhibits recreated to capture the ambience of the lifestyle of Trongsa Penlop (Governor) Tshokey Dorji.

KUNZANG DRAK HIKE ( OPTIONAL) Kunzangdrak is another of the four holy cliffs, which sits overlooking the valley as if it was pressed into the mountainside. From the starting point just after Pema Tekchok Chholing Nunnery, the path climbs up through fields and a little village before continuing quite steeply during the last part up to the temple. Kunzangdrak was founded by Terton Pema Ligpa in the 15th century and legend has it that the temple stands on a site visited by Guru Rinpoche on his riding tigress. The palm and the foot-imprints on the rock above the temple serves as a testimony to the myth. Apart from the three temples, which make up Kunzangdrak, there are numerous holy water sources believed to have been created by Guru Rinpoche, Pema Lingpa and his consort.

The road to& in the Chokor Valley is rather rough but the landscape, views and walk through the area are all beautiful.

SHUDRAK HIKE The hike up to the temple is easy and the view from the top is beautiful beyond words. The drive to the starting point for the Shugdrak hike takes you along the river down Choekhor Valley. The trail starts shortly after passing Thangbi Goemba on your left. Initially, you will walk upwards through flower meadows before catching a smaller trail, which leads towards a handful of farmhouses. It continues past an old water mill and then straight up to Shugdrak, beautifully situated on a cliff overlooking the surrounding valleys. Steps imprinted in the mountainside lead up above the rooftop of the temple where hermits reside in a charismatic farmhouse surrounded by prayer flags, and with spectacular views in several directions.

The temple is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and it is said to have been blessed by the Saint in the 8th century. The temple is built on a rock face and resembles the Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in Paro. The stairs up to the temple entrance are enclosed in an enchanting cave; the temple has a small altar room with a view and a little wooden plank veranda with views to the seat where Guru Rinpoche meditated.

You can spend as little or as much time with the host family as you like. Some guests choose only to dine with them, while others spend hours chatting with them. Regardless, staying with a Bhutanese family is the easiest way of finding out about Bhutanese culture and way of life. Taste authentic Bhutanese home cooked food. You are also welcome to watch and participate in the cooking process.

BHUTAN’S FIRST ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE – HALF DAY EXCURSION Standing on a hill that sits at the centre of the beautiful Chokhor-toe valley in Bumthang, Drapham dzong was built more than 400 years ago by the Chokhor Deb, who ruled the valley at that time. The ruins were chosen for the first excavation, because of its unique features and since it was the largest structure that predates Zhabdrung. According to archaeologists, it was the largest structure in Asian Buddhist countries. The dzong was not only an administration structure, but also the protector of the central region, and a gateway for travellers and traders to and from Tibet. It is believed that the Chokhor Deb himself blew up the dzong as he had to abandon it to escape a large invasion from Tibet.